Crux Fermentation Project Cracks Open Summer With Two New Brews and a Refreshed Classic
Half a Brain Hazy IPA, NØMØ Bright Sky Pils, and a bold new look for Crux Pilz hit shelves.

Just in time for long summer days, outdoor adventures, and chill afternoons spent at the lake, Crux Fermentation Project has dropped a new hazy IPA and a non-alcoholic pilsner into its lineup, and the Bend brewery has given a familiar classic a refreshing new look.
Half a Brain Hazy IPA is making its full-time debut in 6-pack, 12-ounce cans after the tropical hazy built a loyal following last year in Crux’s Rotator Series and limited-release 16-ounce cans. Crux is also broadening its industry-leading NØMØ line of non-alcoholic brews with Bright Sky Pils—a crisp, floral, easy-drinking brew that marks Crux’s first N/A that ventures away from more hop-forward styles.
Meanwhile, the popular Crux Pilz will remain true to its classic pilsner form. But the look of its 12-ounce cans is getting a refresh with new tree-ring-inspired artwork that pays homage to the wooden elements of the brewery’s iconic Bend pub design and Crux’s Central Oregon roots. The lighter, brighter color palette for Pilz is as crisp and inviting as the beer inside.
“Half a Brain has been a crowd favorite since day one—it’s juicy, tropical, and smooth,” said Cam O’Connor, Crux Fermentation Project’s managing director and brewmaster. Meanwhile, Bright Sky Pils has been years in the making, bringing something completely new and refreshing to the NØMØ family. And the Crux Pilz redesign gives our pilsner the modern refresh it deserves.
“Whether sipping a sessionable NØMØ Bright Sky Pils, letting Half a Brain Hazy brighten your day, or enjoying a classic pilsner that is as bright as the Central Oregon sun, Crux has you covered just in time for summer,” O’Connor added.
A closer look at Crux’s latest lineup:
Half a Brain Hazy IPA
The return of a fan favorite—now here to stay. Half a Brain gives off those vacation vibes with its fruity hop aromas and hints of pineapple, coconut, lime, and stone fruit. With its thick haze and rich mouthfeel, Half a Brain is like summer in a can.
- ABV: 6.4%
- IBUs: 60
- Hops: Simcoe, Amarillo
- Flavor Notes: Tropical with a wave of tangerine, with a smooth finish and just the right amount of sweetness
- Pack Sizes: 6-pack, 12-ounce cans; Draught (50L & 20L)
- Availability: Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Nevada
NØMØ Bright Sky Pils
A crisp, floral take on a non-alcoholic brew—just in time for sunshine season. Bright Sky has taken time to perfect. But no matter how you spend the warm days, this summer sipper has been worth the wait.
- ABV: Less than 0.5%
- Flavor Notes: Light, endlessly refreshing, with a hint of herbal and floral hops
- Pack Sizes: 6-pack, 12-ounce cans
- Availability: Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Nevada
Crux Pilz (Rebranded Can)
Same crisp lager. Fresh new look. Crux Pilz uses classic pilsner malts and imported Czech hops, but injects a little Northwest flair with Oregon-grown Sterling hops and clean mountain water. The new look highlights the tree rings of the wood elements in Crux’s iconic pub and uses lighter, brighter colors to match the beer’s freshness.
- ABV: 5.2%
- IBUs: 35
- Hops: Sterling
- Flavor Notes: Classic lemon-zest crispness, clean finish
- Pack Sizes: 6-pack, 12-ounce cans; Draught (50L & 20L)
- Availability: Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Nevada
To view Crux Fermentation Project’s entire line of beers, click here.
About Crux Fermentation Project:
Founded in 2012, Crux Fermentation Project is a brewer-owned and operated community of craft beer lovers based in Bend, Oregon. Fermentation is our passion, and after 12 years of experimentation, we make beer, non-alcoholic beer, wine, and whiskey. Available on store shelves in Oregon, Washington, California, and Nevada, we also invite you to try our latest releases at our flagship tasting room in Bend while taking in views of the Cascade Mountains with food from our kitchen or food carts. For more information, visit www.cruxfermentation.com. Cheers!
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